Interconnection

Interconnection is the physical linking of two networks. All operators, both mobile and fixed, are obliged to offer interconnection services on an “any-to-any network” basis. eircom, as the designated SMP operator in the fixed market, is currently required to publish a Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) which details the provisioning, operation and commercial arrangements of all relevant origination, termination and transit interconnect services.

Carrier Access & Carrier Selection

Carrier Access (CA) and Carrier Selection (CS) are narrowband access products which enable customers to choose their carrier on a call-by-call basis. This is achieved by dialling a prefixed access code and is usually used, though not exclusively, for routing international calls to an Other Authorised Operator’s (OAOs) network for onward routing and termination.

Carrier Pre-Selection

Carrier Pre-Selection (CPS) is an another mechanism to provide narrowband access that allows customers to select, in advance, CPS Operators (CPSOs) to carry their calls without having to dial a prefix or install any special equipment at their premises. The customer subscribes to the services of one or more CPSOs and chooses the type of calls (e.g. all calls) to be carried by them. The customer may have a direct retail relationship with the CPSO, or may purchase the service via a CPS Reseller. The customer is billed for these calls by the CPSO or CPS Reseller.

Single Billing through Wholesale Line Rental

Single Billing-Wholesale Line Rental (SB-WLR) is the wholesale product that enables Other Authorised Operator’s (OAOs) to offer narrowband access to both line rental and calls to customers over eircom's local network. The OAO pays eircom the line-rental for the customer’s line and in turn invoices the customer for this service so that the customer no longer has a contractual relationship with eircom. SB-WLR customers receive a single bill for both calls and line rental from their Operator of choice.

Wholesale Broadband Access

Wholesale Broadband Access enables Other Authorised Operator’s (OAOs) to deliver a broadband offering to individual customers, under their own brand, via the eircom network. ‘Bitstream’ is the eircom provided Wholesale Broadband Access product. There are two main variants of Bitstream available to OAOs; Asynchronous Transmission Mode (ATM) and Internet Protocol (IP).

Local Loop Unbundling

Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) is the process which enables Other Authorised Operator’s (OAOs) to make use of the physical copper connections between a customer and the local exchange, known as the "local loop". eircom is obliged to provide access to the local loop and associated facilities including co-location. OAOs use eircom’s incumbant infrastructure to deliver a range of voice and broadband services to their customers. There are three different types of LLU; Line Share, Unbundled Local Metallic Path, Geographic Number Portability & Unbundled Local Metallic Path.

• Line Share (LS)

LS provides OAOs with shared use of a metallic path between an eircom exchange facility and a customer's premises. eircom retains the voice-band frequency spectrum of the circuit and continues to provide PSTN/SB-WLR service and the OAO is able to use the remainder of the frequency spectrum.

• Unbundled Local Metallic Path (ULMP)

ULMP provides OAOs with exclusive use of a metallic path between an eircom exchange facility and a customer's premises.

• Geographic Number portability and Unbundled Local Metallic Path (GLUMP)

GLUMP enables OAOs to place one GLUMP order that will facilitate the co-ordinated delivery of a single/multi line ULMP & GNP to the end customer.

Migrations

A suite of inter and intra operator wholesale product migrations is being currently developed through the industry LLU Process Working Group. Migration processes enable the transfer of a customer’s broadband only or broadband and narrowband services. Migration processes benefit both customers and industry offering increased flexibility and choice to customers when switching between service providers, and also facilitating Other Authorised Operator’s (OAOs) to migrate their own customers up the ladder of investment to offer higher value products and services.

Leased Lines & Partial Private Circuits

Leased lines are symmetric telecommunications lines connecting two locations. Unlike traditional PSTN lines they do not have a telephone number, each side of the line being permanently connected to the other. They can be used for telephone, data or Internet services.

Partial Private Circuits (PPCs) are leased lines which are delivered or handed over to operators via interconnect (ISH In-Span Handover) or existing voice or ISI (In-Span Interconnect) interconnects, or directly into the Other Authorised Operator’s (OAOs) premises on CSH (customer sited handover). PPCs enable OAOs to gain efficiencies by expanding their infrastructure rather than relying on traditional leased-line delivery.